Terry Abbott Remembered Again

It is almost a year since the sad passing away of Terry Abbott.  I would like to share with you some achievements made in his memory.

It was very soon after Terry's funeral some friends and acquaintances amongst the Turkeys got their heads together at the Star to try to find the best way of remembering him. It was therapeutic for the grief and as the beer and my wine was flowing we came up with a plan of action, having rejected some ideas, which I won’t repeat.

 1/ A bench in Terry’s name at Lord’s

 2/ A bench in Terry’s name at Radlett

 3/  Sponsorship of a players kit

 4/ An auction of Terry’s cricket memorabilia to raise funds.

 We realised we had to rely on private fund raising too and can’t remember what we budgeted for, but in total we collected an amazing £1624 which was spent as follows;

 Bench Lord’s                                                                        £600

 Bench Radlett                                                                      £480

 Donation to Watford Peace Hospice (where Terry died)    £544

 Lower Pavilion with his MCC contacts was instrumental regarding the bench at Lord’s. There was a problem with the choice of words and ridiculously the use of first names. The unveiling day cricket wise couldn’t have been better as Terry’s family attended the lunch to tea session of day 3 Derbyshire game witnessing the TRJ hat trick.  We really felt Terry was looking down on us and I had to explain to Terry’s family who never attend cricket this is not typical.

 We had complete freedom for choice of Radlett bench and wording at a much cheaper rate.  The unveiling was on a glorious day and ironically Terry’s favourite player Dawid Malan shone as did the sun.

 In case you haven’t seen these unveilings or would like to see them again please click on below.

  http://youtu.be/pueWiRtRJLE

  http://youtu.be/pCom7kCabZk

Next season we will hopefully be sponsoring Dawid Malan’s County Champioship kit in Terry’s name. The cost is £300 and we are close to 15 so that is only £20 each. Please advise me if anyone is interested in contributing and spreading the cost?

 It was impractical to carry out the auction this year, but hopefully next season. This will be top of the agenda for the next meeting of the Turkeys.

 Last season was business as usual with the Turkey’s enjoying the highs and lows of cricket, while laughing and despairing at the weird things that happen at cricket matches. There were many times during good and bad moments I was thinking with others what would have Terry made of that? His wisdom and humour was missed, but he would want us to carry on being ourselves, which we did despite the void he has left.      

 Finally, below is a note from Val to all Terry's friends which she has requested to be put on MTWD.

Terry Abbott may you continue to rest in peace.   You will never be forgotten.